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Abstract:

An interdental cleaning device that is easy to handle, especially for
kids and disabled people, including a frame supporting four zones for
removing food and plaque between the teeth. Each zone having a particular
thickness combined with cleaning substance and cleaning surface for a
thorough teeth cleaning.

Claims:

1. An interdental cleaning device comprising: A plurality cleaning zones,
wherein each cleaning zone comprises a cleaning zone perimeter, wherein
said cleaning zone perimeter comprises a support perimeter zone and an
outer surface, wherein said cleaning zone perimeter surrounds a cleaning
zone body comprising a uniform thickness zone, and a frame comprising a
frame thickness, wherein said frame is attached to said support perimeter
zone supporting said cleaning zones and wherein said frame is positioned
between said plurality of cleaning zones spacing apart said cleaning
zones.

2. An interdental cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the
thickness of the uniform thickness zone is not greater than the frame
thickness.

3. An interdental cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the
uniform thickness zone of each cleaning zone is different in thickness.

4. An interdental cleaning device according to claim 1, comprising four
cleaning zones.

5. An interdental cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein said
frame surface comprises a gluey surface or adhesive.

6. An interdental cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein said
outer surface comprises a tapered portion, wherein said tapered portion
is not covered by said frame.

7. An interdental cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein said
support perimeter zone comprises at least half of cleaning zone total
perimeter and wherein said breakable frame contacts completely said
support perimeter zone.

8. An interdental cleaning device according to claim 4, wherein the frame
contacts at least part of the outer surface.

9. An interdental cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the
cleaning zones are made by fiber, paper or plastic.

10. An interdental cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the
frame is materially different between each cleaning zone.

11. An interdental cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein said
frame is a breakable frame.

13. An interdental cleaning device comprising, a plurality of cleaning
zones, wherein each cleaning zone comprises a cleaning zone perimeter,
wherein said cleaning zone perimeter comprises a support perimeter zone
and an outer surface, wherein said outer surface comprises a tapered
portion, wherein said cleaning zone perimeter surrounds a cleaning zone
body comprising a uniform thickness zone, a breakable frame comprising a
frame thickness and a gluey surface, wherein said breakable frame is
attached to said support perimeter zone supporting said cleaning zones
and wherein said breakable frame is positioned between said cleaning
zones spacing apart said cleaning zones avoiding contact between each
cleaning zone, and wherein the cleaning zones thicknesses are not greater
than the frame thickness.

Description:

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] N/A

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates generally to an interdental space
cleaner, and more particularly, to an easy to handle interdental cleaner
having different cleaning zones.

[0004] 2. Discussion of the Background

[0005] Regular and frequent regimen of teeth cleaning is required for a
good oral hygiene. Several instruments such as the toothbrush are
commonly used for that purpose. However some teeth areas are not properly
cleaned by the toothbrush because of its design. Therefore, other devices
such as toothpicks, dental floss and other dental instruments are
provided for cleaning interdental spaces removing food and dental plaque
preventing caries and inflammation of the gum.

[0006] The use of dental floss has been known for decades. Dental Floss is
commonly used by adults rather than kids or even some handicap people
having limited use of one hand. Therefore, even though is used often
dental floss is unpopular, especially for kids, because it is necessary
to be familiar with the application technique which requires time,
patience and the use of both hands.

[0007] The conventional toothpicks, as mentioned above, are another choice
for interdental cleaning mainly because of their cost. However the
toothpick is difficult to use in areas where the teeth are really close
together and does not maintain sufficient strength.

[0008] An example of a toothpick is U.S. Pat. No. 5,234,009 which
discloses a toothpick made from plastic comprising an elongated body
portion having an upwardly extending ridge and a pair of angulated legs
defining a longitudinal groove. The tip end of the toothpick having
different angles, however it not easy to be used by a kid or a disabled
person and also does not provide enough area to not just remove the food
between the teeth but also clean the teeth by contact.

[0009] Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a dental cleaning
device that is easy to handle, especially for a kid or a disabled person,
wherein said cleaning device not just removes the food between teeth but
also encourage thorough teeth 10 cleaning to prevent carries and
inflammation of the gum.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present invention is a dental device having different thickness
cleaning zones, which not just remove the food between the teeth but is
easy to handle and also contact's the teeth for a thorough teeth
cleaning.

[0011] Another object is to provide a dental cleaning device able to clean
the different distances between the teeth properly.

[0012] Another object is to provide a dental cleaning device for disabled
people and kids that can be handled with just one hand.

[0013] Another object is to provide a dental cleaning device having a
plurality of different cleaning zones easy to manufacture.

[0014] Another object is to provide a dental cleaning device with
different cleaning zones.

[0015] Another object is to provide a dental cleaning device more
attractive for the kids.

[0016] Another object is to provide a dental cleaning device which can be
personalized to display information or for advertisement.

[0017] Yet another object is to provide a dental cleaning device wherein
each cleaning zone has a gluey surface assisting the control of the
cleaning zone while applying the interdental space cleaner.

[0018] The invention itself, both as to its configuration and its mode of
operation will be best understood, and additional objects and advantages
thereof will become apparent, by the following detailed description of a
preferred embodiment taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing.

[0019] When the word "invention" is used in this specification, the word
"invention" includes "inventions", that is, the plural of "invention". By
stating "invention", the Applicant does not in any way admit that the
present application does not include more the one patentable and
non-obviously distinct invention and Applicant maintains that the present
application may include more than one patentably and non-obviously
distinct invention. The Applicant hereby asserts, that the disclosure of
the present application may include more than one invention, and, in the
event that there is more than one invention, that these inventions may be
patentable and non-obvious one with respect to the other.

[0020] Further, the purpose of the accompanying abstract is to enable the
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially
the scientists, engineers, and practitioners in the art who are not
familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly
from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical
disclosure of the application. The abstract is neither intended to define
the invention of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is
it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] FIG. 1 is a top view of the interdental cleaner

[0022] FIG. 2 is a cross section view on line II-II of the interdental
cleaner

[0023] FIG. 3 is a cross section view on line of the interdental cleaner

[0024] FIG. 4 is a top view of the second embodiment of the interdental
cleaner.

[0025] FIG. 5 is a side view of the second embodiment

[0026] FIG. 6 is a top view of the third embodiment of the interdental
cleaner

[0027] FIG. 7 is a casing for the interdental cleaner FIG. 8 is a top view
of the third embodiment of the interdental cleaner

[0028] FIG. 9 is a cross section view on line IX-IX of the interdental
cleaner

[0029] FIG. 10 is a top view of the interdental cleaner for Kids.

[0030] FIG. 11 is a top view of the interdental cleaner with
advertisement.

[0031] FIG. 12 is a top view of fourth embodiment of the interdental
cleaner.

[0032] FIG. 13 is a top view of the present invention with a gluey surface
frame.

[0033] FIG. 14 is a view of applying the interdental cleaner.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0034] Referring to FIG. 1-FIG. 3, the preferred embodiment of the present
invention shows an interdental cleaner 1 for removing food and dental
plaque comprising four cleaning zones 2-5, wherein said cleaning zones
2-5 have different thickness and are supported by a frame 6. Each
cleaning zone 2-5 comprises a cleaning zone perimeter, wherein said
cleaning zone perimeter comprises a support perimeter zone and an outer
surface, wherein said support perimeter surrounds a cleaning zone body
comprising a uniform thickness zone. The support perimeter zone is
defined as the portion of the cleaning zone perimeter that is in close
contact with the frame 6. The outer surface is defined as the portion of
the cleaning zone perimeter which is not covered, supported or surrounded
by the frame 6.

[0035] The frame 6, as mentioned, is attached to said contacting perimeter
zone holding said cleaning zones 2-5 in position. Further the frame 6 is
positioned between said cleaning zones 2-5 dividing said cleaning zones
2-5 into several sections and avoiding contact between each cleaning
zone.

[0036] The uniform zone thickness is between ranges of 0.003 mm and 0.018
mm, wherein each uniform thickness of each zone could be different from
the thickness of the next uniform zone. The thickness disclosed is not
intended to limit the invention since the thickness may vary. For
example, the thickness may be customized depending on the customer's
necessities. The frame thickness has a thickness greater than any
cleaning zones thickness.

[0037] As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the interdental cleaner 1 has a business
card shape wherein the stiffness of frame 6 is greater or equal to higher
stiffness zone since this portion gives support and rigidity to each
zone. The frame can be made of the same material as the zones or a
different material as long the frame fulfill the stiffness requirements.
In order to employ the device, the interdental cleaning device 1 is
intended to be held with one hand 12 by the rigid frame 6. Additionally
and depending on the space between teeth 10 the user selects the cleaning
zone that better fits the needs. It is important to understand that
depending on the thickness of the cleaning zone the easier is the access
between the teeth 10, however the thickness selected by the user should
be the one that not just provides an easier access but also that has a
greater contact with the teeth 10 in order to remove not just the food
but also the plaque around the teeth 10. The frame thickness is designed
to have a thickness bigger or equal to the greatest thickness of the
cleaning zones. Making the at least a cleaning zone thickness equal to
the frame thickness is attractive for manufacturing purposes.

[0038] FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 of the present invention disclose a second
embodiment. As show in the preferred embodiment, the second embodiment is
structurally similar providing four different zones 2-5 having different
thickness, however in this embodiment each corner 7 is tapered in order
to provide an easier access between teeth 10. The tapered portion 7 can
be extended through the whole outer surface of the interdental device for
a smoother interdental access.

[0039] The interdental device 1 comprises different surfaces or different
cleaning substances added to the each cleaning zone 2-5, as show in FIG.
6. For example at least a first zone 2 comprises a substance selected
from a tooth cleaning substance, a plaque removing substance, a teeth 10
whitening substance, flavor or breathe freshening substance in
combination with a corrugated surfaces or any other surface that improve
the removal entrained matter between teeth 10. The corrugated surface in
made from a material selected from fiber, plastic, paper or any other
harmless material for teeth cleaning purposes. Further the substance can
also be apart in a small bucket wherein the user immerses the interdental
cleaner device before applying it, however in this case the cleaning zone
is made of a material that absorb said substance.

[0040] The interdental device 1 can be made as a reusable or a
non-reusable device; however the non-reusable or disposable is preferred
for sanitary reasons. A package 11, as shown in FIG. 7, is provided for
carrying several disposable interdental cleaner devices 1. The package 11
displays advertising matter 9 such as brand name or any other
information.

[0041] FIGS. 8 and 9 show a third embodiment of the present invention
comprising first cleaning zone 2, second cleaning zone 3, third cleaning
zone 4 and four cleaning zone 5, wherein each zone has different
thickness and can be combine with a particular surface and/or substance
as mention before. In the instance case the frame 6 has a groove 8. The
groove 8 is used to reduce the thickness providing a breakable frame in
order to detach or separate each cleaning zone 2-5. The groove 8 is
designed to be located at a portion of the frame that when the frame 6 is
separated at least a portion of the frame 6 supports each cleaning zone
2-5.

[0042] FIG. 9 shows each zone at the distal end of the frame rather than
the center of the frame in the axial x direction making the interdental
cleaner device easier to manufacture. Also the frame thickness can be
reduced if needed. The interdental cleaner 1 has a oval shape, however
the shape can vary as long the structure is provided with at least more
than one cleaning zone. It can be shaped to have a superhero or animal
shape, as show in FIG. 10, combined with cleaning zones 2-5 having
particular flavors in order to make it more attractive for the kids,
wherein as a result they end up using the interdental device more often.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 11, the interdental cleaner 1 can be used for
displaying particular information such as announcements or any other
information. FIG. 12 discloses another preferred embodiment for the frame
6. The frame 6 is provided with at least four cleaning zones 2-5, wherein
said frame comprises projections 6a extended at the outer surface of said
zones 2-5 contacting each zone at least on three sides or more than 50
percent of the cleaning zone perimeter of the each cleaning zone in order
to provide a more rigid cleaning zone and/or reducing the frame
thickness.

[0044] Further, as shown in FIG. 13, the frame with or without the
projections 6a comprises a layer of an adhesive 6b, wherein said adhesive
or gluey surface 6b assists maneuvering the cleaning zone 2-5 during the
cleaning process. The gluey surface is preferable for people with
activity limitations, for example kids or people with hand disabilities.
The gluey surface maybe covered by a plastic or removable layer before it
is used in order to avoid non-wanted material attached to said surface.

[0045] The interdental cleaner 1, for example as in FIG. 14, can be used
at anytime especially after eating in order to remove the food between
teeth 10 or after brushing the teeth 10. The simplicity of the design
provides a dental cleaning device that is easy to handle, especially for
a kid or disabled people, which not just removes the food between teeth
10 but also encourages thorough teeth 10 cleaning to prevent caries and
inflammation of the gum.

[0046] The invention is not limited to the precise configuration described
above. While the invention has been described as having a preferred
design, it is understood that many changes, modifications, variations and
other uses and applications of the subject invention will, however,
become apparent to those skilled in the art without materially departing
from the novel teachings and advantages of this invention after
considering this specification together with the accompanying drawings.
Accordingly, all such changes, modifications, variations and other uses
and applications which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the
invention are deemed to be covered by this invention as defined in the
following claims and their legal equivalents. In the claims,
means-plus-function clauses, if any, are intended to cover the structures
described herein as performing the recited function and not only
structural equivalents but also equivalent structures.

[0047] All of the patents, patent applications, and publications recited
herein, and in the Declaration attached hereto, if any, are hereby
incorporated by reference as if set forth in their entirety herein. All,
or substantially all, the components disclosed in such patents may be
used in the embodiments of the present invention, as well as equivalents
thereof. The details in the patents, patent applications, and
publications incorporated by reference herein may be considered to be
incorporable at applicant's option, into the claims during prosecution as
further limitations in the claims to patentable distinguish any amended
claims from any applied prior art.